Sometimes the color of leather jackets fades. Unless you're looking to buy a new jacket, it helps to learn the process of darkening and dying your leather jacket to make it look new. But how do you do it exactly? We have researched an easy way to dye a leather jacket at home, and in this article, we will share it with you. Here are the steps to dye a leather jacket and change it to a different color:
- Clean and repair jackets
- Apply Leather Conditioner
- Apply colored dye to the jacket
- Reapply Leather Conditioner
- Painted leather
- Let it dry
Dying your leather jacket isn't as hard as you might think. You can finish the whole process in about half an hour. However, it's best to prepare ahead of time to ensure you have all the materials you need before you begin. Read on to find out how.
Before dying with your jacket, you need to know where you will go through the process. The best place to buy a jacket is in the bathroom, kitchen counter, or sink. Remove all personal items from the area to avoid catching the dye. What you need:
- Leather dye
- Leather conditioner
- Brush
- Dry towel
- Lint-free cloth
- Contact glue
- Sewing kit
First, check the leather jacket for damage in any area. Then take a semi-damp cloth and wear it over the jacket. You don't want the dirt to turn cloudy after you apply the dye to your jacket. Flip it over and look for holes or patches that may have thinned. If there are any holes, fill them with patchwork strips. You can sew these strips or glue them with contact glue. Remember that the glue takes about 15-20 minutes to dry. It is best to dry the jacket before dyeing it. Next, to prep the dyed leather jacket, apply a good quality leather conditioner to the jacket. Using a damp cloth, apply a quarter-sized cloth and rub it over the jacket in a circular motion. Pay attention to the area around the buttons and zippers at the end of the jacket and the sleeves. If the leather is dehydrated, an extra coat of conditioner will make the jacket softer. This, in turn, makes it more reactive to dye products.
If there are decorations on the jacket you don't want to be painted, cover them with paint tape beforehand. Next, take your brush and carefully apply the dye to the jacket. It's best to start at the back of the jacket and work your way up. Be sure to use thick strokes and check areas you missed. After applying the paint to the back of the jacket, turn it inside out and apply it to the front. Let the dye dry on the jacket for about 20 minutes, then reapply another coat of leather conditioner. Each leather conditioner has a different drying time, so check the instructions on the package. If there are parts of your jacket that leather dye can't cover, use leather paint to camouflage them. To do this, clean the brush and apply paint to the jacket. Be sure to apply a thin, even coat to prevent peeling. Allow the paint to dry for approximately 2-4 hours before moving the jacket. Let your leather jacket dry completely within 24-48 hours, as you don't want paint or stain rubbing off on furniture or clothing. You can use several different dye qualities to change the color of a leather jacket. Let's look at the two most commonly used dyes. Fiebing Leather Dye is one of the most reliable you can find. It is an alcohol-based dye available in black, blue, grey, brown, etc. You can use it on finished and unfinished leather or mix it with other colors to create unique shades. This dye is ideal for repairing high-quality and discolored leather products.
It is easy to use as you can apply the dye directly to the leather product using a sponge or lint-free cloth. The good thing about this dye is that it won't crack or peel when dry. It also provides a clean finish, ideal for field repairs. Angelus brand dyes are also worth considering. This liquid dye is ideal for jackets, handbags, shoes, belts, and other leather goods. It is a highly pigmented colorant suitable for coloring or repairing damage. It doesn't crack when dry, and the color lasts, meaning you don't have to worry about reapplying dye every six months. You can also use it on vinyl products. If you are looking for a durable leather dye that can easily penetrate your leather products, here is one to check out. The Rit dye brand is among the oldest and most trusted brands. Renowned fabric dye for over a hundred years, this liquid dye never disappoints. It is easy to use and can be used on furniture, clothing, and leather garments. With over 400 different colors, this is one of the most affordable options available today. This versatile dye is also non-toxic and ideal for dyeing dark and light leathers. Whether your leather is finished or unfinished, Rit dyes easily penetrate texture for long-lasting color. Leather dyes are commonly referred to as aniline dyes. It is a rich color used to restore color to leather goods. It penetrates the fibrous layer of the leather to form a chemical bond with the inner layer of the grain. Once a leather product has been dyed with a dye, the color cannot be removed. To change color again, you must dye the product with another colored dye.
Leather dye products add a translucent color to leather fabrics while allowing them to retain their natural character. It does not alter the color of the grain itself but can be used to lighten or darken the grain. Leather dyes are not used to hide damaged areas or stains on leather products but to enhance the leather's natural color. These dyed products are often referred to as semi-aniline coatings and are commonly used in polyurethane and other pigment topcoats. For example, suede and nubuck are usually finished with leather stains rather than dyes. The best way to give an old leather jacket a new look is to apply a leather conditioner to the jacket or to completely repair it. To do this, you will need to clean the jacket, repair damaged areas, and apply leather conditioner and oil. During the process, you can add dyes and protective coats to help protect and waterproof the leather and ultimately extend its life. If you want to darken your leather products naturally, the easiest ways are to use coffee, tea, or natural oils such as coconut or olive oil. Dyeing a leather jacket a different color can give it a new look. Also, don't forget to add a premium conditioner to help restore moisture to the leather and prevent drying out after dyeing.